About
Melissa joined Edwards Duthie Shamash as a solicitor and team leader of the Court of Protection department in August 2019. Melissa was appointed as a Salaried Partner in April 2022 and has been ranked as a ‘next generation partner’ in the Legal 500 2023 & 2024.
Melissa has over ten years’ experience in Court of Protection and Community Care law and is an Accredited Legal Representative (ALR) under the Law Society Mental Capacity Accreditation Scheme. Melissa is also a Solicitor-Advocate, having obtained Higher Rights of Audience.
Melissa is regularly instructed by The Official Solicitor as well as family members, RPPRs and Advocates, to represent vulnerable adults who are involved in Section 21A Deprivation of Liberty Mental Capacity Act 2005 proceedings as well in Section 16 Mental Capacity Act 2005 proceedings relating to capacity and best interests on a number of matters such as residence, care, contact with particular individuals, foreign travel and engaging in sexual relations and consent to marriage.
Melissa also advises on the following issues:
- The interface between the Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Safeguarding issues
- The Inherent Jurisdiction
- Property and financial affairs
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Issues relating to the Care Act 2014
- Carer’s rights
- Judicial Review
- Continuing healthcare
- Transition from Children’s Act 1989 to Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Section 117 aftercare
- Matters relating to the Human Rights Act 1998
Additionally, she has experience in Mental Health law, and she was previously a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Accreditation Scheme representing clients at First-tier Tribunal Hearings (Mental Health). She is ranked as a Tier 3 lawyer in Chambers & Partners 2024.
“A rising star – dynamic and thoughtful.”
The Legal 500 2020
“Great: always very responsive and thoughtful” and, together with Laura Mannering (nee Dawson), was described as being “very good at going the extra mile to ensure the person they represent is given the best possible opportunity to participate in proceedings.”
The Legal 500 2021
“Outstanding, simply one of the brightest and most hardworking young solicitors around. Her meticulous case preparation has already attracted plaudits from the judiciary. Mature and sensitive in her approach towards clients, she is a real pleasure to work with.”
The Legal 500 2022
“A very experienced, knowledgeable, and devoted Court of Protection solicitor”. And “an absolute pleasure to work with. She is highly intelligent, hardworking, and meticulous and insightful in her instruction. She has an excellent eye for detail, both factual and legal, whilst also being adept at maintaining the strategic overview.”
The Legal 500 2022
A ‘brilliant’ and ‘highly experienced Court of Protection practitioner, who is meticulous in her case preparation, skilful in maintaining the strategic oversight, and tenacious in securing the best possible outcome for P.”
The Legal 500 2024
“Melissa Law is very good. She has clear analytical approach which makes her a pleasure to work with’. And ‘Melissa Law is an excellent, experienced CoP solicitor. Dedicated to clients and always up to date with legal developments“
The Legal 500 2024
“Melissa is committed to her clients.’ And ‘Melissa is resourceful and good on detail.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Reported cases
- LB Tower Hamlets v NB & AU EWCOP 27
- A County Council v LW and another EWCOP 50
Career
- Paralegal, GN Law January 2013
- Trainee solicitor, GN Law 2013 – 2015
- Solicitor, GN Law 2015 – 2017
- Solicitor, Mackintosh Law 2017 – 2019
- Solicitor and Team Leader, Edwards Duthie Shamash November 2019
- Salaried Partner, Edwards Duthie Shamash April 2022